In a major blow for the Kangaroos, superstar fullback James Tedesco has been ruled out of the upcoming Ashes Tour.
While overlooked for State of Origin this year, Tedesco’s form had put the former Australian captain in the box seat to win back his Kangaroos jersey, which he had previously lost to Dylan Edwards.
Tedesco was named in the preliminary squad on Sunday but informed the ARL Commission the following day that he would be unable to tour due to family commitments, as reported by CODE Sports.
The Roosters captain is set to be the best man at his brother’s wedding, a clash that has forced him to reluctantly withdraw from national duties despite being a certain selection.
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The decision caps off one of the finest seasons of Tedesco’s career, with the 32-year-old bouncing back strongly after losing his Kangaroos and Blues jerseys in recent years.
Across 25 games he crossed for 11 tries, added 22 try assists, and tore defensive lines apart with 21 line breaks in a season that showcased his trademark explosiveness and game-breaking ability.
His form has him firmly in the frame for the 2025 Dally M Medal, with many tipping him to claim the award when it is announced this week.
For the Kangaroos, it means selectors will now turn to Brisbane star Reece Walsh and Penrith’s Dylan Edwards as the frontrunners to fill the No.1 jersey when the squad is finalised on Monday.
It is also a further headache for new national coach Kevin Walters, who is already dealing with a huge list of unavailable players that would have been certain selections in the squad.
While Tedesco being unavailable is a blow, there are still a number of quality fullback options to replace him, unlike the centre and front-row positions that now look painfully thin.
It is unfortunate timing for Tedesco, but for the Kangaroos it puts even more pressure on their preparation and their ability to stave off the ever-improving island nations, who look as dangerous as ever to knock the world champions off their throne.
While Tedesco’s absence is a setback for Australia’s Ashes hopes, his season will be remembered as a stunning return to form that reaffirmed his place among the game’s elite.